Tai Chi
Tai chi is used extensively in all parts of the world to reduce stress and improve upon agility for everyone. It is the style of slow movements that are so inviting for many people. Most cities and towns have parks and gyms where tai chi is taught and practiced.
Tai chi developed in China as a form of self defense and it has been in existence for over 2000 years. If practiced regularly, tai chi will bring serenity to the body and relieve stress and other health conditions. It is sometimes called tai chi chuan and is a self-paced system of physical exercise and stretches. You must be able to do a series of postures in a slow and graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without stopping.
Tai chi is generally used to:
As always check with your doctor before involving yourself in any exercise program and especially if you have a heart problem, joint or spinal injury. With tai chi you can find three or four of your favorite movements and stick to them or gradually add to your routine. If you join a group at the park, there is usually a leader to take you through your steps and you can learn a new routine to practice. You also get out of the house and make new friends.
Your body will begin to feel better gradually and have more tone and strength. You will enjoy more vitality. When you are faced with a stressful moment you can shut your eyes and pretend to go through your paces before handling the situation. You will learn new breathing techniques to enhance your movements and benefit even more. Tai chi is also great for the arthritic as it is low impact, very low key movements and no stressful techniques to be learned. Besides stress relief, research is acknowledging that tai chi offers many other benefits to the human body: